Cardiac MRI

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common, painless test that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed still and moving images of your beating heart. The test involves no radiation.

Why is Your Doctor Ordering Cardiac MRI?

Cardiac MRI allows your doctor to look at your heart’s structure and pumping action and decide the best way to treat conditions like coronary heart disease, heart failure, and valve problems. Cardiac MRI is used to both detect and monitor heart disease, and can also help explain results from other tests.

What to Expect

During your cardiac MRI, you will lie on a table that slides into the large circular opening of the scanning machine. During the scan, you will be asked to lie still and will hear a loud clicking noise as the images are created. The test may be performed with or without contrast, an iodine-based dye that is administered with an intravenous (IV) injection.